Rio Tinto has opened its Fénix 1B expansion and Sal de Vida lithium operations in Catamarca, marking a significant milestone for Argentina’s green energy sector following a combined investment of approximately AU$1.4 billion.
Both developments achieved first production ahead of schedule in the second quarter of 2026 and are currently ramping up operations.
Together, they will contribute an additional 25,000 tonnes of annual lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) capacity once fully operational.
This boosts Rio Tinto’s standing and cements Argentina’s role as a major global supplier of critical energy transition materials.
“The expansion of the Fénix project is a historic milestone that demonstrates the potential of Argentina’s mining sector,” President of Argentina Javier Milei said
“This was made possible by the country once again creating incentives for the production of resources that are essential to the modern world.”
Rio Tinto CEO Simon Trott added that the projects align with the company’s broader ambition to achieve an annual LCE production capacity of 200,000 tonnes globally by 2028.
“These two projects build on nearly three decades of lithium production in Catamarca and the expertise of our Argentine workforce,” Trott said.
“They demonstrate our industry-leading project delivery capability, as we execute with discipline towards our global target of 200,000 tonnes lithium carbonate equivalent annual production capacity by 2028.”
The Fénix operation, which originally commenced commercial production in 1997, gains an additional 10,000 tonnes of LCE capacity through the Fénix 1B expansion, raising its total target capacity to roughly 40,000 tonnes annually.
Meanwhile, the newly constructed Sal de Vida facility, located 20 kilometres northeast of Fénix, adds a further 15,000 tonnes of annual LCE target capacity.
Rio Tinto’s expanding lithium footprint across Catamarca, Jujuy, and Salta, including the Rincon project, is expected to deliver strong local economic benefits.
Around 70 per cent of the estimated $4 billion in total growth capital allocated to its Argentine lithium assets will be channelled directly to local suppliers.
